Arteta Demands More Edge: Why Viktor Gyokeres Is Still Searching for His Arsenal Moment

Mikel Arteta rarely chooses his words lightly, especially when the subject is a striker signed to lead the line for a title-chasing Arsenal side. So when the Spaniard spoke about the need for his forwards to be “decisive” after the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, it was hard not to hear the message behind the message. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s £64 million summer arrival, had again failed to score. And patience, while not gone, is clearly being tested.

The stalemate at the City Ground was not the kind of result that defines a season on its own. But it did underline a growing issue for the Gunners: a centre-forward still struggling to translate his past brilliance into Premier League goals. Gyokeres now has just five league strikes to his name, a return that looks modest when set against both his reputation and his price tag.

Viktor Gyokeres and the Pressure of Leading the Arsenal Line

When Arsenal moved decisively to sign Gyokeres from Sporting, they believed they were buying one of Europe’s most complete modern strikers. His numbers in Portugal were extraordinary: 97 goals in 102 games, a mix of power, movement and relentless finishing that made him look tailor-made for the Premier League.

Yet football is rarely that simple. Since arriving in north London, Gyokeres has found the transition tougher than many expected. The chances are fewer, the spaces tighter, and the scrutiny relentless. Against Nottingham Forest, he worked hard, pressed well, and linked play intelligently — but once again, the decisive moment in front of goal never came.

Arteta’s post-match comments reflected that reality. “We want players to be decisive,” he said, pointedly. It was not an attack, but it was certainly a challenge. At Arsenal, effort is non-negotiable. But goals are the currency that ultimately matters for a striker.

Mikel Arteta’s System and a Striker Still Adjusting

Part of Gyokeres’ struggle can be traced back to structure. At Sporting, he thrived in a system designed to feed him early and often. Wing-backs delivered crosses from both sides, allowing him to attack the box with conviction and clarity. He knew where the ball was coming from, and when.

Jamie Redknapp touched on this during his analysis on Sky Sports, offering a useful insight into why things look different at Arsenal. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both operating as inverted wingers, the service into the box is not as predictable. Instead of early crosses whipped across the six-yard line, Arsenal often recycle possession, cut inside, or look for intricate combinations around the penalty area.

For a striker like Gyokeres, who made his name attacking crosses and making aggressive near-post runs, that adjustment is significant. When Saka gets into wide areas, his instinct is to shift onto his stronger left foot. Martinelli, on the opposite flank, does the same. The result is fewer instinctive deliveries and more moments where Gyokeres is left waiting, his runs going unrewarded.

That mismatch does not mean the signing was wrong. But it does explain why the adaptation period has been longer than expected.

Nottingham Forest Draw Highlights Arsenal’s Ongoing Dilemma

The draw with Nottingham Forest summed up Arsenal’s attacking paradox. They dominated possession, controlled territory, and limited their opponents to very little — yet lacked the cutting edge to turn control into victory. For all their technical quality, there were moments when a ruthless touch inside the box would have changed everything.

Gyokeres had half-chances, moments where a split-second decision could have made the difference. But those moments passed, and Forest held firm. For a team with championship ambitions, these are the fine margins that define success or frustration.

Arteta understands that better than anyone. His Arsenal side has grown into one of the most consistent teams in England, built on structure, discipline and belief. But the final step — turning dominance into silverware — often comes down to a striker delivering in tight games.

Confidence, Chemistry and the Weight of Expectations

It would be unfair to suggest Gyokeres is not contributing. His work rate fits Arteta’s philosophy perfectly. He presses from the front, occupies defenders, and brings others into play. In the Champions League, he has shown flashes of his quality, scoring twice in four appearances, both goals coming in the emphatic 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid earlier in the season.

That performance hinted at what Gyokeres can become in an Arsenal shirt. The challenge now is consistency, especially in domestic competition. Confidence for a striker is a fragile thing. One goal can change everything; another blank can deepen the doubt.

Arteta is clearly trying to strike a balance between support and expectation. Publicly, he continues to back his player. Privately, the demands will be clear. Arsenal did not spend heavily on Gyokeres to be patient forever. They did it because they believe he can be decisive in the biggest moments.

Inter Milan and Manchester United: A Defining Spell Ahead

The timing of Arteta’s words is no coincidence. Arsenal now face a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a Champions League trip to Inter at the San Siro. European nights have a habit of reshaping narratives, and Gyokeres knows that a strong performance there could shift the conversation quickly.

After that comes Manchester United in the Premier League, a fixture that rarely needs extra motivation. These are the games where reputations are made or questioned. For Gyokeres, they represent an opportunity to remind everyone why Arsenal invested so heavily in him.

Arteta will hope that the pressure sharpens rather than overwhelms his striker. The system can adapt, teammates can adjust their delivery, but ultimately, Gyokeres must find a way to impose himself.

Why Arteta’s Warning Matters

Arteta’s message was not about blame. It was about standards. Arsenal have reached a point where good performances are no longer enough. Titles are decided by moments, and moments are decided by players brave enough to take responsibility.

“We want players to be decisive” is not just a critique of Gyokeres. It is a reminder of what this Arsenal side is trying to become. For Gyokeres, it is also an invitation — to step forward, trust his instincts, and turn promise into production.

The goals will come eventually. The question is whether they arrive soon enough to shape Arsenal’s season. For now, the challenge has been set. How Gyokeres responds may define not just his own campaign, but Arsenal’s as well.